Hunslet Club 3 Oxenhope Rec 0

Oxenhope’s recent run of good form came to an abrupt end with a lethargic second-half performance.

However, they could have had the game won by half-time but spurned several good chances.

The visitors’ defence soaked up the early pressure as the home side bombarded them with long balls. On one occasion when the back line was breached, Ben White made a superb last-ditch tackle as the Hunslet striker had the goal at his mercy.

Oxenhope gained control and, midway through the first half, a corner from Dan Moriarty was met by Jason Walton but his header went agonisingly over.

Tom Marshall then went on a jinking run down the left and whipped in a low ball across the box but no one was able to connect.

Michael Garnett was enjoying the physical battle with the Hunslet central defenders. He wrestled free and fired across goal to Moriarty but he shot straight at the keeper.

Moriarty had another strike on goal when he met full back Chris Day’s cross with a rasping shot but the keeper tipped the ball round the post.

Oxenhope did not turn up for the second half, allowing Hunslet to get on top from the outset.

The home side got a free-kick out wide, the ball was swung in and looped over keeper Grahame Ellis into the top corner.

Ten minutes later Hunslet scored their second when Day collided with their young, quick striker and the referee pointed to the penalty spot, much to the bewilderment of both teams. Ellis got a hand to the spot-kick but could not keep it out.

Day and Gaz Ritson were pushed forward but, ten minutes from time, Oxenhope were caught on the break and the third goal killed off the game.

The team need to bounce back on Saturday when they meet Horbury Town at Marley (2.30pm).

Oxenhope: Ellis, Day, Ritson, Nelson, Walton, White, Quinlan (Pullan), Moriarty (Thompson), Garnett, Metcalfe, Marshall (Hawker).